Notes: Miller hurt, Reid’s smart play, Aldon’s sacks, Gore’s runs

Fullback Bruce Miller’s left arm was in a sling after the game because of what he described as a stinger (nerve) injury. Miller anticipated undergoing X-rays Monday once swelling subsided, and although his arm was sore, he doesn’t believe it is a serious injury.

Miller got hurt on a 10-yard reception to the 9-yard line on the 10 1/2-minute drive. He got hit by Keith Tandy and fumbled out of bounds. It was his fourth and final reception (26 yards).

— Safety Eric Reid recorded his fourth interception, and rather than possibly return it for a touchdown, Reid opted to fall down at the Buccaneers 22 with 1:53 remaining. Three ensuing kneel downs killed the remaining seconds.

“It probably would have been the easiest touchdown of my life,” Reid said. “If we scored, it’s another kickoff we have to cover, and another opportunity for someone to get hurt. Let’s preserve our bodies and go home.”

— Linebacker Aldon Smith credited his two-sack outing to staying on the field more than he’s done since a five-game hiatus. “More plays, more times to make plays,” said Smith, who’s tied with Ahmad Brooks for the team lead in sacks at 8 ½ each.

— Running back Frank Gore (22 carries, 86 yards) had four runs of at least 10 yards. “Some them were blocked for three, four (yars) and he was getting seven, eight and nine (yards) out of them,” Harbaugh said.

Added Kaepernick: “He is the most underrated running back in the NFL. He does everything for our offense. … What he means to this team and what he contributes can’t really be quantified.”

— Tarell Brown played nickel back in his first action since sustaining a serious rib injury Nov. 17.

— Anquan Boldin’s first catch went for 25-yard gain on third-and-15, as he broke a Darrell Revis tackle along the way. He also had a sensational, one-handed catch among his three receptions for 43 yards.

— Justin Smith raised his season sack total to 5 ½ when he lassoed Mike Glennon at the Bucs’ 12 for an 8-yard loss. Smith is the 20th player to have at least five sacks in 11 seasons, since sacks became an official stat in 1982.

— Patrick Willis had a team-high six tackles and his third sack this season.

— LaMichael James averaged 10.2 yards on five punt returns. He also had a 23-yard kickoff return.

— Garrett Celek had an 8-yard catch in his return from a four-game, hamstring-related absence.

— Left guard Mike Iupati (knee) missed his fourth straight game.

— Tight end Vance McDonald (ankle) sat out the first game of his rookie season.